PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the country must continuously stand its ground in protecting its territory.
In his keynote speech during the National Heroes' Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, the president affirmed the government’s commitment to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling, which confirmed the country’s maritime rights over the West Philippine Sea as established the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
“The Philippines is worth fighting for. Every Filipino deserves to be served. Our sovereignty deserves to be defended,” he said in Filipino.
Marcos led the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited the tomb of his late father, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
He honored the country’s modern-day heroes such as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), frontline workers, teachers, health care workers, and parents.
“They are only a few of the many faces of heroism in our time. For in various ways and at every opportunity, there are Filipinos who continue to make sacrifices, serve, and do good for others and for the nation,” Marcos said.
Asserting the country’s maritime rights, he said, begins by educating the children.
“Across every platform available to us, we shall champion truth, counter disinformation, and encourage responsible discourse,” he said.
“Our fisherfolk, too, deserve our unconditional support. Their continued presence in our waters strengthens our connection to our maritime territory,” he added.
He also urged Filipinos to “do more than commemorate” and to keep the “flame of patriotism alive.”
“Today, I call on every Filipino to do more than remember our brave national heroes. Let us also renew our solemn duty to carry forward the nation for which they fought and sacrificed,” he said in a separate statement.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called on Filipinos to honor the sacrifices of national heroes by continuing to serve their families, communities and nation with integrity, honesty and compassion.
"As we honor the men and women whose sacrifices secured our freedom, sovereignty, and democracy, let us remember that their legacy calls on us to continue building a better nation," Gatchalian said.
"The sacrifices of our heroes will become more meaningful if each of us serves our family, community, and country with integrity, honesty, and compassion," he said.
Gatchalian urged Filipinos to remain united in addressing the pressing problems the country faces, including flooding, government corruption, challenges in the quality of education, and rising food and electricity costs.
He stressed the importance of protecting public funds and ensuring that government programs are implemented properly, honestly and effectively.
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, meanwhile, called on Filipinos to honor not only the heroes whose names are recorded in history books but also ordinary citizens who continue to serve the country through sacrifice, courage and compassion.
Pangilinan highlighted the familiar Filipino expression that "not all heroes wear capes," while drawing a lighthearted connection between the observance and the so-called "ghost month."
"A hero does not ghost," Pangilinan said, noting that National Heroes’ Day often falls during ghost month — a reminder, he said, that true heroes do not disappear when they are needed.
"This commemoration is rooted in recognition of the collective struggle for freedom that began with the 1896 Revolution," he said.
But beyond the well-known figures in history books, Pangilinan urged the people to recognize the countless unnamed heroes who continue to show their love for the country.
He cited parents, including many OFWs, who make daily sacrifices to support their families and secure a better future for their children.
He also honored environmental defenders who protect the country’s land, forests, seas and communities, as well as farmers and fisherfolk who feed the nation despite pressures from price manipulators and smugglers.
Pangilinan particularly praised ordinary Filipinos who have responded to emergencies amid weeks of persistent rains.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged the public to remember that heroism is not limited to extraordinary acts recorded in history, but can also be found in simple acts of kindness and bayanihan shown by ordinary Filipinos, especially during disasters.
Go paid tribute not only to the heroes who fought for the nation, but also to rescuers, health workers, barangay personnel, volunteers, neighbors, and ordinary citizens who help others despite facing difficulties of their own.
“You do not have to die for your country to be one. Any act of kindness, in the goodness of your heart, that your fellow being will thank you for, is already an act of heroism,” Go said.
He said such acts become meaningful during calamities, when families may suddenly lose their homes, livelihoods, or access to basic necessities.
"We don’t necessarily have to do something huge to make a difference. Sometimes, simply sharing food, helping a neighbor, or asking if they need anything can already mean so much to someone who is going through a difficult time," he said.
"During times of flooding and disasters, we see how Filipinos come together to help one another. Even when they are struggling themselves, some share food, others help with rescue efforts, offer the use of their vehicles, or open their homes to those in need. This is the spirit of compassion and concern for others that we should continue to uphold," Go said.
He called on government agencies and local governments to remain ready to assist affected communities.
"Let us remember that we only pass through this world once. Whatever kindness or help we can offer to others, let us do it now, because we will not have another chance to return to this world," Go said.